This book explores the intricate landscape of youth representation on television, shedding new light on how tweens, teens, and young adults navigate social, political, and environmental crises through media. Through an examination of myriad shows from primarily the last two decades, the book delves into the complex narratives that shape young viewers' understanding of the world around them. Chapters in Contemporary Youth Television investigate critical topics such as racial violence, representations of gender and sexuality, identity formation, coming of age, and the impact of digital media on youth. Through expert analysis, the authors uncover how television serves as both a mirror and a guide, reflecting societal issues while offering avenues for hope and education. Readers are invited to consider how long-form narratives on television uniquely engage with real-world challenges, providing a platform for meaningful discourse. This volume is essential for scholars of media studies, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of youth, media, and society. It offers valuable insights into the evolving role of television in shaping young minds and highlights the potential for positive representation and education in youth programming. Whether you are a researcher, a parent, or a media enthusiast, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the perils, power, and promise of youth television.

Aviva Dove-Viebahn is an Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies in the Department of English at Arizona State University, with a PhD in Visual and Cultural Studies from the University of Rochester. She is the author of There She Goes Again: Gender, Power, and Knowledge in Contemporary Film and Television Franchises (2023) and co-editor (with Carrie N. Baker) of Public Feminisms: From Academy to Community (2023). She is a contributing editor to Ms. magazine, Editor of New Research for the Journal of Cinema and Media Studies, and a member of the Editorial Board for Lever Press.